Needle magnetizer

ABSTRACT

A device for accommodating and magnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical device of various lengths, with or without a cover covering a portion or the entirety of the tissue-penetrating medical device, is disclosed including a sleeve member having an open proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, an outer surface having a graduated injection depth gauge to indicate needle penetration depth when the cover is placed into a magnetizer, and a hollow body extending between the proximal end and the distal end to form a protective closure over a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device. A device having one or more magnetizing elements sectioned into a plurality of movable segments pivoting around an axis to accommodate needles with different lengths is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a device having one or more magnetizing means mounted on a movable element to magnetize needles of various lengths.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/944,324, filed on Apr. 3, 2018, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/481,964, filed Apr. 5,2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, penetration of an invasive medical device, such as aneedle or catheter tubing, through skin tissue to reach the vein duringneedle or catheter insertion is invisible to clinicians. For thisreason, clinicians must rely on their first-hand experience with needleinsertion in combination with tactile sense to successfully identify thelocation of the vein. This may be a difficult task when attempting toaccess a small vein in a deep location under the skin, increasing riskof excess pain and/or injury to the patient. There are similar problemswith insertion of other invasive medical devices such as guidewires,catheters, introducer needles, stylets, scalpels and guidewires withrespect to the inability to precisely visualize the location of theinvasive medical device.

Procedural guidance systems utilize a combination of ultrasound andmagnetic technologies to provide visualization of subdermal anatomy anddevice position in the in-plane and out-of-plane orientations.Magnetized needles have been used to guide needle and catheter insertionin conjunction with ultrasound. This combination of ultrasound andmagnetic methods also allows for the projection or anticipation of theinsertion device position relative to the patient's anatomy, and therebyimproves the likelihood of successfully accessing the vasculature andcompleting the invasive procedure.

The available technology today requires the clinician to manuallymagnetize the needle in a disposable magnetizer after the removal of theneedle from a needle cover just prior to use. The use of needle coverwhile magnetizing the needle helps to eliminate the accidental damage tothe needle tip while maintain the sterility of the device. However, thepresence of the needle cover presents a dilemma where the clinicianscould not see the needle tip or the length of the needle to bemagnetized in most cases. This approach has the potential of resultingin needle tip damage, microbial contamination, and/or inconsistency inthe length of magnetized section on the needle. Damage to the needle canoccur that is not apparent to the user, which can negatively affect theinsertion process. Also, active magnetization of a metal cannula by theuser has some limitations and inherent risks, as this approach does notguarantee consistent magnetization since variability in clinicianprocedures such as depth of insertion, speed of process, and centeringof the needle in the magnetizer will result in different degrees ofmagnetization. The section of the needle near the distal end to bemagnetized is the same regardless of actual needle length. However, witha needle cover on the metal cannula, it is difficult for a practitionerto know where the needle is, given that standard needle covers arecurrently used to cover needles with various lengths. Thus, there is aneed to provide visual confirmation to the practitioner for indicatingneedle penetration depth when the cover is placed into a magnetizer.

Considering the significant risk of needle tip damage, increasedpotential for contamination and inconsistent magnetization, it would beadvantageous to have a system that consistently magnetizes the needlewithout introducing the aforementioned additional risks. In addition, itis costly to discard the magnetizer after each needle or catheterplacement. Thus, there is a need for a device that ensures consistencyin the length of the magnetized section of a needle or catheter eitherwith or without a cover covering a portion or the entirety of thetissue-penetrating medical device.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the disclosure pertains to a cover for magnetizing atissue-penetrating medical device comprising a sleeve member having anopen proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, an outer surface, anda hollow body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. Thesleeve member forms a protective closure over a shaft of atissue-penetrating medical device having a longitudinal axis. The openproximal end of the sleeve member provides a receiving space forreceiving at least the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device.The outer surface of the sleeve member has a graduated injection depthgauge to indicate needle penetration depth when the cover is placed intoa magnetizer.

The graduated injection depth gauge can be printed, engraved, etched,embossed, or debossed onto an outer surface of the sleeve member. In oneor more embodiments, the graduated injection depth gauge is scaled tocorrelate to a needle length.

In one or more embodiments, the cover is sterile. In one or moreembodiments, the cover is disposable. In one or more embodiments, thecover can be plastic.

A second aspect of the disclosure pertains to a cover for magnetizing atissue-penetrating medical device comprising an open proximal end, adistal end, and a cavity defining a device-receiving space. The cavityhas an open proximal end and a distal tip to enclose atissue-penetrating medical device. The cover has a first length L₁between the open proximal end and the distal tip of the cavity. Thecover has a second length L₂ between the distal tip of the cavity andthe distal end. The cover has a third length L₃ between the openproximal end and the distal end.

In one or more embodiments, the first length L₁ is less than the thirdlength L₃.

In one or more embodiments, the second length L₂ is less than the thirdlength L₃.

In one or more embodiments, the third length L₃ is equal to the sum ofthe first L₁ and the second length L₂.

In one or more embodiments, the first length L₁ is the same as the thirdlength L₃.

A third aspect of the disclosure pertains to a cover for magnetizing atissue-penetrating medical device comprising a base segment having oneor more magnets and a first central cavity, one or more movable segmentshaving one or more magnets stacked in a vertical configuration on top ofthe base segment, the one or more segments having a second centralcavity; and a hinge having a vertical axis not in contact with the firstcavity and second cavity, the hinge connecting the one or more movablesegments and the base segment. The movable segments can be rotatable,slidable or stackable.

In one or more embodiments, the first central cavity and the secondcentral cavity permit movement of a tissue-penetrating medical deviceinto the first central cavity and the second central cavity in adirection parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tissue-penetratingmedical device.

In one or more embodiments, the first central cavity and the secondcentral cavity permit movement of the shaft of the tissue-penetratingmedical device into and out of the receiving space.

In one or more embodiments, there are two or more magnets disposed onthe base segment. In one or more embodiments, there are two or moremagnets disposed on each of the one or more movable segments. In one ormore embodiments, the one or more magnets are a fixed permanent magnet.

A fourth aspect of the disclosure pertains to a magnetizer formagnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical device comprising an openproximal end, a distal end, a first sidewall, a first sliding elementhaving one or more first magnets slidably connected to the firstsidewall, a second sidewall, a second sliding element having one or moresecond magnets slidably engaged to the second sidewall, and a cavityformed between the first sidewall, second sidewall and distal end.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more first magnets are mounted onthe first sliding element. In one or more embodiments, the one or moresecond magnets are mounted on the second sliding element.

In one or more embodiments, the first sliding element and/or secondsliding element is movable in a parallel direction to an axis of thecavity.

In one or more embodiments, the first sliding element and/or secondsliding element includes a contact surface having a profile foraccommodating a practitioner's finger.

In one or more embodiments, the cavity is configured to accommodate atissue-penetrating medical device.

In one or more embodiments, the tissue-penetrating medical device is aneedle assembly, a stylet, catheter, introducer needle, scalpel orguidewire.

In one or more embodiments, the tissue-penetrating medical deviceincludes a needle assembly including a needle and the shaft, and whenthe shaft is magnetized, the tissue-penetrating medical device isconfigured for use in a procedural guidance system to locate and projecta position of the shaft during an invasive medical procedure.

In one or more embodiments, the cavity is configured to accommodate aneedle cover.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more magnets comprise a fixedpermanent magnet.

In one or more embodiments, the first sliding element is moveable alongthe first sidewall.

In one or more embodiments, the second sliding element is moveable alongthe second sidewall.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cover formagnetizing a tissue-penetrating medical device comprising a sleevemember having an open proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, anouter surface, one or more physical stop elements disposed on the outersurface; and a hollow body extending between the proximal end and thedistal end to form a protective closure over a shaft of atissue-penetrating medical device. In one or more embodiments, the oneor more physical stops correspond to different needle lengths toindicate needle penetration depth when the cover is placed into amagnetizer.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more physical stops correspond todifferent needle gauges to indicate needle penetration depth when thecover is placed into a magnetizer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a needle magnetizerof the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a needlemagnetizer of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a needlemagnetizer shown in FIG. 2A of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a needlemagnetizer of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a needlemagnetizer shown in FIG. 2C of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment ofa needle magnetizer of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-section view of the needle magnetizer shownin FIG. 3A of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of yet another alternateembodiment of a needle magnetizer of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing several exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it isto be understood that the description provided is not limited to thedetails of construction or process steps set forth in the followingdescription. The devices and methods described herein are capable ofother embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in variousways.

In this disclosure, a convention is followed wherein the distal end ofthe device is the end closest to a patient and the proximal end of thedevice is the end away from the patient and closest to a practitioner.

Aspects of the disclosure pertain to an improved system that addressesthe challenges to the existing technology and systems to magnetize aneedle, such as a needle used with a peripheral intravenous (IV)catheter. Aspects of the disclosure pertain to an improved device andsystem that helps maintain the sterility of the tissue-penetratingdevice and also prevents damage to the distal tip of thetissue-penetrating medical device during magnetization of thetissue-penetrating medical device. Therefore, in one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure, a tissue-penetrating medical device ismagnetized with the cover of the present disclosure placed on thetissue-penetrating medical device. The section of the tissue-penetratingmedical device, e.g. needle, near the distal end to be magnetized is thesame regardless of actual needle length.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a needlemagnetizer that is capable of accommodating needles of various lengthswith a cover of the present disclosure placed on the tissue-penetratingmedical device. In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, aneedle magnetizer is capable of accommodating needles of various lengthswithout a cover being placed on the tissue-penetrating medical device.According to one or more embodiments, the device and system of thepresent disclosure consistently magnetizes needles of various lengthswith a cover of the present disclosure placed on the tissue-penetratingmedical device. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, atissue-penetrating medical device is magnetized without a cover placedon the tissue-penetrating medical device. In one or more embodiments,the devices and systems described herein provide more precise control ofthe location of the magnet relative to the device to be magnetized,resulting in a more consistent and predictable magnetic field applied tothe invasive medical device. In one or more embodiments, the devices andmethods described herein create no additional risk of needle damagecompared to existing magnetizer devices and no additional risk forcontamination compared to existing magnetizer devices. Rather, thedevices, system and methods described herein reduce the risk of needledamage compared to existing magnetizer devices and reduce the risk forcontamination compared to existing magnetizer devices.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one aspect of the disclosure pertains to acover 10 for a tissue-penetrating medical device, the cover having asleeve member 14 having a hollow body 20 having a distal end 21, an openproximal end 22, an inner surface 23 and outer surface 24 to form aprotective closure over a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device.In one or more embodiments, the hollow body 20 can be tubular or anyother suitable shape.

In one or more embodiments, distal end 21 may be open. In one or moreembodiments, distal end 21 may be closed.

Cover 10 can be used with tissue-penetrating medical devices, e.g.needles, with various lengths. As shown in FIG. 1, in one or moreembodiments, the outer surface 24 of the sleeve member 14 includes agraduated injection depth gauge 25 having one or more lines (26, 27, 28,29) to show how far to insert cover 10 into a magnetizer (not shown) forvarious desired lengths of needle magnetization. In one or moreembodiments, multiple markings, e.g. lines (26, 27, 28, 29), can beplaced on cover 10, whereby each marking corresponds to a differentneedle length to be used with cover 10. For example, in one or moreembodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, if cover 10 is intended to covertissue-penetrating medical devices having four (4) different lengths,there would be four (4) lines (26, 27, 28, 29) on the outer surface 24of the sleeve member 14 of cover 10. The distance from the distal end ofthe tissue-penetrating medical devices, e.g. needle, to the marking forthe given needle length is the same for all needle lengths with theircorresponding markings, e.g. lines (26, 27, 28, 29). This way the lengthof needle tip section magnetized will be the same if the needle covermarking for the given needle length is aligned with a feature on amagnetizer. A tissue-penetrating medical device is placed into cover 10via opening 30 of open proximal end 22. Cover 10 is then inserted into amagnetizer (not shown), and the user aligns lines (26, 27, 28, 29) ofgraduated injection depth gauge 25 to the desired intended length ofneedle magnetization. In one or more embodiments, lines (26, 27, 28, 29)of graduated injection depth gauge 25 provide visual confirmation to theuser by indicating needle penetration depth when the cover is placedinto a magnetizer.

In one or more embodiments, the graduated injection depth gauge 25 maybe printed onto an outer surface 24 of the sleeve member 14. In anotherembodiment, the graduated injection depth gauge may be engraved, etched,embossed, debossed by molding or formed onto an outer surface 24 of thesleeve member 14 to assist the user in measuring the needle depthpenetration. In one or more embodiments, the graduated injection depthgauge is scaled to correlate to a needle length.

Typically, manufacturers use the same needle cover for devices withdifferent needle lengths and gauges. Therefore, the distances betweenthe tips of the needle cover and the needle vary depending on the needlelength and needle cover design. However, these distances are known tomanufacturers and fixed for a given needle length and needle coverdesign. Therefore, a marking or graduated injection depth gauge on theneedle cover that indicates the position of the needle tip or thedesired length of the magnetized needle section would allow cliniciansto insert the corrected length of the needle into the magnetizer, thusovercoming the shortcoming of the existing technology. Similarly, aneedle cover design with same distance between needle tip and needlecover tip would achieve the same outcome.

A tissue-penetrating medical device can include a needle assemblyincluding a needle housing and a shaft of the needle having a sharpdistal tip. In one or more embodiments, the sleeve member 14 can betransparent to allow the shaft and needle cannula of atissue-penetrating medical device to be visible. The sleeve member 14has a length L that covers the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice, including the sharp distal tip to prevent accidental needlesticks. The arrows shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the length “L” alsoshow the longitudinal axis of a needle shaft. The open end 22 of thehollow body 20 provides a device-receiving space 40 for receiving atleast the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device.

The device-receiving space 40 is sized and shaped to permit movement ofthe shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device into and out of thedevice-receiving space 40. In one embodiment, the device-receiving space40 permits movement of the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice into the device-receiving space 40 in a movement that is parallelto the longitudinal axis of the shaft of tissue-penetrating medicaldevice. The needle cannula magnetizes when the needle cannula, withcover 10, is inserted into a separate magnetizer (not shown). In analternate embodiment, the needle cannula magnetizes when the needlecannula, without cover 10, is inserted into a separate magnetizer (notshown). The needle cannula magnetizes when the needle cannula, withcover 10, is inserted into a separate magnetizer (not shown). In one ormore embodiments, a magnetizer consists of a cavity with at least oneopening through which the needle can be inserted. The cavity and theopening are large enough to accommodate the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice with its cover, thus ensuring the sterility and the integrity ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device. The cavity of the magnetizer canhave openings on both ends to allow tissue-penetrating medical devices,with cover 10, of various lengths and widths to be inserted into themagnetizer to a desired depth for magnetization. In an alternateembodiment, the cavity of the magnetizer can have openings on both endsto allow tissue-penetrating medical device, without cover 10, of variouslengths and widths to be inserted into the magnetizer to a desired depthfor magnetization.

A magnetizer further consists of magnetizing means around the cavitysuch as permanent magnets or electro-magnets, or other magnetizingmeans. A section of the tissue-penetrating medical device that isexposed to the magnetizing means is magnetized as the tissue-penetratingmedical device is inserted and removed from the magnetizer.

In use, the user would insert the tissue-penetrating medical device withcover 10 into the magnetizer until the graduated injection depth gauge25 on the outer surface 24 of sleeve member 14 is aligned with the topof the magnetizer. When the tissue-penetrating medical device is removedfrom the magnetizer, the desired section of the tissue-penetratingmedical device, e.g. needle, would be magnetized. The graduatedinjection depth gauge 25 on the outer surface 24 of sleeve member 14 canbe located at different locations along the outer surface 24 dependingon the length and/or gauge of the tissue-penetrating medical device,e.g. needle. In one or more embodiments, cover 10 is sterile. In one ormore embodiments, cover 10 is disposable. In one or more embodiments,cover 10 is plastic.

A second aspect of the present disclosure pertains to one or moretissue-penetrating medical device covers, such that the cover that canbe used for tissue-penetrating medical device, e.g. needles, withdifferent lengths. In one or more embodiments, each cover 110 or 120 isof a uniform length and is used with a tissue-penetrating medical deviceof variable lengths. One or more physical stop elements 150 are disposedon the outer surface of cover 110 or 120. In one or more embodiments,one or more physical stop elements 150 are molded onto the outer surfaceof cover 110 or 120. In one or more embodiments, the position of thephysical stop elements 150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or120 correspond to different gauge or size of various tissue-penetratingmedical devices to be used with cover 110 or 120. Therefore, the lengthor portion of the tissue-penetrating device that is magnetized when auser inserts cover 110 or 120 into a magnetizer until the physical stopelements 150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or 120 thatcorrespond to a desired gauge or size of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice reaches the top of the magnetizer. Therefore, the length orportion of the tissue-penetrating device that is magnetized is dependenton the length of the tissue-penetrating medical device within the cover110 or 120. In one or more embodiments, one or more physical stopelements are disposed on the inner surface of a magnetizer. In one ormore embodiments, the position of the physical stop elements 150disposed on the inner surface of a magnetizer correspond to differentgauge or size of various tissue-penetrating medical devices to be usedwith cover 110 or 120. Therefore, the length or portion of thetissue-penetrating device that is magnetized when a user inserts cover110 or 120 into a magnetizer corresponds to the desired gauge or size ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device when the physical stop elements150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or 120 abuts thecorresponding physical stop on the inner surface of a magnetizer.

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, a second aspect of the presentdisclosure, pertains to cover 110 and cover 120 which are designed tohave a uniform fixed length between open proximal end (122, 132) anddistal end (121, 131) of cover (110, 120) to enclose atissue-penetrating medical device (160, 170). Therefore, the cover 110or 120 is of a uniform length, which can accommodate atissue-penetrating medical device of variable lengths, e.g. L₁ as shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B.

A tissue-penetrating medical device can include a needle assemblyincluding a needle housing and a shaft of the needle having a sharpdistal tip. The open proximal end 122 of cavity 161 provides adevice-receiving space for receiving at least the shaft of thetissue-penetrating medical device (160, 170).

With respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, length L₁ refers to the length betweenopen proximal end (122, 132) of cover (110, 120) and the distal tip(162, 172) of a tissue penetrating medical device (160, 170).

Length L₁ represents the length to cover the shaft of atissue-penetrating medical device, including the sharp distal tip toprevent accidental needle sticks. With respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B,length L₂ refers to the length between the distal tip (162, 172) of atissue penetrating medical device (160, 170) to enclose atissue-penetrating medical device and the distal end (121, 131) of cover(110, 120). In one or more embodiments, cover (110,120) can be tubularor any other suitable shape. With respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, length L₃refers to the length between the open proximal end (122, 132) of cover(110,120) and the distal end (121, 131) of cover (110, 120). In one ormore embodiments, distal end (121, 131) may be open. In one or moreembodiments, distal end (121, 131) may be closed. When a cover (110,120) encloses a tissue-penetrating medical device (160, 170) and bothare inserted into a magnetizer such that the distal end (121, 131) ofcover (110, 120) contacts the bottom of a cavity of a magnetizer orphysical stop elements 150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or120 that corresponds to desired gauge or size of the tissue-penetratingmedical device reaches the corresponding physical stop on the innersurface of a magnetizer, a desired section of the tissue-penetratingmedical device (160, 170) of length L₁ will be exposed to the magneticfield to be magnetized.

Cover (110, 120) is sized and shaped to permit movement of the shaft ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device (160, 170) into and out of thedevice-receiving space. In one embodiment, cover (110, 120) permitsmovement of the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device (160,170) into the cover (110, 120) in a movement that is parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the shaft of tissue-penetrating medical device. Ametal portion of the tissue penetrating medical device (160, 170)magnetizes when the tissue penetrating medical device (160, 170), whencover (110,120) is inserted into a separate magnetizer. In an alternateembodiment, the metal portion of the tissue-penetrating medical devicemagnetizes when the tissue-penetrating medical device, without cover(110,120) is inserted into a separate magnetizer. The magnetizerconsists of a cavity with at least one opening through which the cover(110, 120) can be inserted. The cavity and the opening of the magnetizerare large enough to accommodate the tissue penetrating medical device(160, 170) with cover (110, 120) to ensure the sterility and theintegrity of the tissue penetrating medical device (160, 170) and itsdistal tip (162, 172). The magnetizer can have openings on both ends toallow tissue-penetrating medical devices with various lengths and cover110 of various length L₃ to be inserted to desired depth. In one or moreembodiments, distal end (121, 131) is open. In one or more embodiments,distal end (121, 131) is closed.

The magnetizer further consists of magnetizing means around the cavitysuch as permanent magnets or electro-magnets, or other magnetizingmeans. A section of the tissue penetrating medical device (160, 170)that is exposed to the magnetizing means is magnetized as the tissuepenetrating medical device (160, 170) is inserted and removed from themagnetizer. The magnetizer can have openings on both ends to allowtissue penetrating medical devices (160, 170) with various length L₁ andcover 110 or cover 120 of various lengths L₃ to be inserted to desireddepth.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A, length L₁ is less thanlength L₃. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A, length L₂ isless than length L₃. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A,length L₃ is about the sum of L₁ and length L₂. In one or moreembodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, length L₁ is approximately the same aslength L₃. In one or more embodiments, each of the physical stopelements 150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or 120 thatcorresponds to corresponding L₁, L₂ or L₃ of a desired gauge or size ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device.

As shown in FIG. 2C, in conjunction with FIG. 2D, an alternateembodiment, pertains to cover 110 and cover 120 which are designed tohave different fixed lengths between the distal tip 162 of a cavity 161to enclose a tissue-penetrating medical device and the distal end 121 ofcover 110 or distal tip 131 of cover 120. Therefore, the cover 110 or120 is used depending of the length of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice. Therefore, if the insertion depth of the tissue-penetratingmedical device with cover into a magnetizer is the same, then theresulting length of the magnetized section of the tissue-penetratingmedical device will also be the same for tissue-penetrating medicaldevices, e.g. needles, of different length.

With respect to FIG. 2C, length L₁ refers to the length between openproximal end 122 of cover 110 and the distal end 262 of a cavity 260 toenclose a tissue-penetrating medical device. In one or more embodiments,distal end 121 of cover 110 may be open. In one or more embodiments,distal end 121 of cover 110 may be closed.

A tissue-penetrating medical device can include a needle assemblyincluding a needle housing and a shaft of the needle having a sharpdistal tip. The open proximal end 122 of cavity 161 provides adevice-receiving space for receiving at least the shaft of thetissue-penetrating medical device.

Length L₁ represents the length to cover the shaft of atissue-penetrating medical device, including the sharp distal tip toprevent accidental needle sticks. With respect to FIG. 2C, length L₂refers to the length between the distal end 262 of a cavity 161 toenclose a tissue-penetrating medical device and the distal end 121 ofcover 110. In one or more embodiments, the cavity 260 can be tubular orany other suitable shape. With respect to FIG. 2C, length L₃ refers tothe length between the open proximal end 122 of cover 110 and the distalend 121 of cover 110. When a cover 110 encloses a tissue-penetratingmedical device and both are inserted into a magnetizer such that thedistal end 121 of cover 110 contacts the bottom of a cavity of amagnetizer, a desired section of the tissue-penetrating medical deviceof length L₁ will be exposed to the magnetic field to be magnetized.

The cavity 260 is sized and shaped to permit movement of the shaft ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device into and out of thedevice-receiving space. In one embodiment, the cavity 260 permitsmovement of the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device into thecavity 260 in a movement that is parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe shaft of tissue-penetrating medical device. A metal portion of thetissue-penetrating medical device magnetizes when the tissue-penetratingmedical device, with cover 110, is inserted into a separate magnetizer.In an alternate embodiment, the metal portion of the tissue-penetratingmedical device magnetizes when the tissue-penetrating medical device,without cover 110, is inserted into a separate magnetizer. Themagnetizer consists of a cavity with at least one opening through whichthe needle can be inserted. The cavity and the opening of the magnetizerare large enough to accommodate the tissue-penetrating medical devicewith its cover thus ensures the sterility and the integrity of theneedle. The magnetizer can have openings on both ends to allowtissue-penetrating medical devices with various lengths and cover 110 ofvarious length L₃ to be inserted to desired depth.

The magnetizer further consists of magnetizing means around the cavitysuch as permanent magnets or electro-magnets, or other magnetizingmeans. A section of the needle that is exposed to the magnetizing meansis magnetized as the needle is removed from the magnetizer.

With respect to FIG. 2D, length L₁ refers to the length between openproximal end 132 of cover 120 and the distal tip 172 of a cavity 270 toenclose a tissue-penetrating medical device. A tissue-penetratingmedical device (not shown) can include a needle assembly including aneedle housing and a shaft of the needle having a sharp distal tip. Theopen proximal end 132 of cavity 270 provides a device-receiving spacefor receiving at least the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice.

Length L₁ represents the length to cover the shaft of atissue-penetrating medical device, including the sharp distal tip toprevent accidental needle sticks. With respect to FIG. 2D, length L₂refers to the length between the distal tip 272 of a cavity 270 toenclose a tissue-penetrating medical device and the distal tip 131 ofcover 120. In one or more embodiments, the cavity 270 can be tubular orany other suitable shape. With respect to FIG. 2D, length L₃ refers tothe length between the open proximal end 132 of cover 120 and the distaltip 131 of cover 120. When a cover 120 encloses a tissue-penetratingmedical device and both are inserted into a magnetizer such that thedistal tip 131 of cover 120 contacts the bottom of a cavity of amagnetizer, a desired section of the tissue-penetrating medical deviceof length L₁ will be exposed to the magnetic field to be magnetized.

The cavity 270 is sized and shaped to permit movement of the shaft ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device into and out of thedevice-receiving space. In one embodiment, the cavity 270 permitsmovement of the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device into thecavity 270 in a movement that is parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe shaft of tissue-penetrating medical device. A metal portion of thetissue-penetrating medical device magnetizes when the tissue-penetratingmedical device, with cover 120, is inserted into a separate magnetizer.In an alternate embodiment, a metal portion of the tissue-penetratingmedical device magnetizes when the tissue-penetrating medical device,without cover 120, is inserted into a separate magnetizer. Themagnetizer consists of a cavity with at least one opening through whichthe needle can be inserted. The cavity and the opening of the magnetizerare large enough to accommodate the tissue-penetrating medical devicewith its cover thus ensures the sterility and the integrity of theneedle. The magnetizer can have openings on both ends to allowtissue-penetrating medical devices with various length and cover 110 orcover 120 of various lengths L₃ to be inserted to desired depth.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, length L₁ is less thanlength L₃. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, length L₂ isless than length L₃. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C,length L₃ is about the sum of L₁ and length L₂. In one or moreembodiments, as shown in FIG. 2D, length L₁ is approximately the same aslength L₃.

The magnetizer further consists of magnetizing means around the cavitysuch as permanent magnets or electro-magnets, or other magnetizingmeans. A section of the needle that is exposed to the magnetizing meansis magnetized as the needle is removed from the magnetizer.

In one or more embodiments, the cover 110 and cover 120 can betransparent to allow the shaft and needle cannula of atissue-penetrating medical device to be visible. In alternateembodiments, cover 110 and cover 120 can be opaque.

It is contemplated that in one or more embodiments, an outside surfaceof cover 110 or cover 120 may have a graduated injection depth gauge ormarking to indicate the desired section of the needle to be magnetizedwhen the needle and the needle cover are inserted into a magnetizer. Inone or more embodiments, the graduated injection depth gauge may beprinted onto an outer surface of the cover 110 or cover 120. In anotherembodiment, the graduated injection depth gauge may be engraved, etched,embossed, debossed by molding or formed onto an outer surface of thecover 110 or cover 120 to assist the practitioner in measuring theneedle depth penetration. In one or more embodiments, the graduatedinjection depth gauge is scaled to correlate to a needle length.

In use, the user would insert the tissue-penetrating medical device withcover 110 or cover 120 into a magnetizer to magnetize a desired portionof the tissue-penetrating medical device. In one or more embodiments,lengths L₁, L₂ and/or L₃ may be varied depending on the length and/orgauge of the desired tissue-penetrating medical device. The cover 110 orcover 120 may have lines on it to show how far to insert cover for eachneedle length. The needle is inserted into a magnetizer with the coveron to contact the bottom of the magnetizer in order to obtain thedesired length of magnetization without any additional action on thepart of the user.

In one or more embodiments, the cover is sterile. In one or moreembodiments, the cover is disposable. In one or more embodiments, thecover is plastic.

A third aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG.3B, pertains to, a magnetizer 300 having a base segment 310 having oneor more magnets 320, and one or more movable segments (330, 340) stackedin a vertical configuration on top of base segment 310. In one or moreembodiments, movable segments (330, 340) may be in the form of a ring.

The base segment 310 and movable segments (330, 340) have a centralcavity 360. The one or more of the movable segments (330, 340) pivot ormove around a hinge 370 having vertical axis 380 not in contact with thecavity 360. In one or more embodiments, movable segments (330, 340) haveone or more magnets 320. In one or more embodiments, magnetizer 300 asshown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, can accommodate a needle cover of auniform fixed length that can be used for needles of various differentlengths. Thus, the insertion depth of the cover with respect to thebottom of the cavity 360 of the magnetizer 300 will be kept the same forneedles of various different lengths. The number of the movable segments(330, 340) atop base segment 310 can be adjusted via moving the movablesegments (330, 340) to correspond to the desired needle length enclosedin the cover. In one or more embodiments, when magnetizing a needle ofthe longest length, all movable segments (330, 340) atop base segment310 will be used to form the magnetizing cavity 360. When magnetizing aneedle of the shortest length, only the base segment 310 is used formagnetizing the needle, while the other movable segments (330, 340) aremoved out of place. Therefore, movement of the movable segments adjuststhe distance between the bottom of the magnetizing cavity 360 and thetop of the magnetizer 300.

To adjust the length of the magnetizer to adjust to a tissue-penetratingmedical device or cover of various lengths, one or more of the movablesegments (330, 340) can be moved or rotated about the axis 380 so thatthe one or more of the movable segments (330, 340) is out of the waywhen tissue-penetrating medical devices, e.g. needles, with differentlengths are inserted into cavity 360 of the magnetizer 300 to bemagnetized.

Referring initially to FIG. 3A, the magnetizer 300 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure has a cavity 360 formed in betweena plurality of two or more movable segments (330, 340) and base segment310 which are stacked and centered about a vertical axis 380. Eachmovable segment (330, 340) and base segment 310 has a center cavity 360of sufficient size to receive a tissue-penetrating medical device, e.g.needles, of various lengths with a cover covering a portion or theentirety of the tissue-penetrating medical device. The cavity 360 ofeach movable segment (330, 340) and base segment 310 can be arranged andaligned in a circular array that is concentric with the axis 380 suchthat a tissue-penetrating medical device may be inserted into cavity360. Cavity 360 is of sufficient size to receive a tissue-penetratingmedical device, e.g. needles, of various lengths with a cover covering aportion or the entirety of the tissue-penetrating medical device. In oneor more embodiment, base segment 310 can have an open proximal end andan open distal end. In one or more embodiment, base segment 310 can havean open proximal end and a closed distal end. In one or more embodiment,base segment 310 can have a closed proximal end and an open distal end.In one or more embodiments, the movable segments (330, 340) can be movedin rotational motion about axis 380 and may move or rotate in oppositedirections or in the same direction. Each movable segment (330, 340) maybe embedded with one or more magnets 320. In one or more embodiments,one or more magnet 320 s is a permanent magnet. Certain of the abovedescribed characteristics of this embodiment of the invention are forpurposes of example and can vary in other embodiments of the invention.In one or more embodiments, the number of segments, and their respectivecavities, will depend on the dimensions including size, shape, height,length, etc. of the desired cover or tissue-penetrating medical deviceto be magnetized by the magnetizer. Each of the one or more movablesegments (330, 340) and base segment 310 may be of various size, shape,length, height, diameter, radius, etc. depending on the desiredtissue-penetrating medical device and/or cover to be inserted into themagnetizer comprised of one or more movable segments (330, 340) and basesegment 310.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the movable segments (330, 340) are supported by abase segment 310, which may be in the form of an upright cylinder whichextends upward. Each movable segment (330, 340) has a central extendingcylindrical cavity to accommodate a tissue-penetrating medical device,e.g. needles, of various lengths with a cover covering a portion or theentirety of the tissue-penetrating medical device. Each segment can bein coaxial relationship with base segment 310. A hinge 370 couples eachmovable segment (330, 340) to support the base segment 310 whileenabling movement or rotation of the each movable segment (330, 340).

In one or more embodiments each segment may be embedded with one or moremagnet 320. In one or more embodiments, one or more magnets 320 can be apermanent magnet. In one or more embodiments, one or more segments maybe moved or rotated about the vertical axis to vary the length of thecavity in which the tissue-penetrating medical device is placed.Therefore, by moving one or more segments about the vertical axis, thelength of the cavity can be adjusted to a desired length. Therefore, theuser can control the portion or length of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice to be magnetized. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, base segment310 has a length L₁, segment 330 has a length L₂ and segment 340 has alength L₃. Depending on the length of the cover or tissue-penetratingmedical device to be magnetized, one or more segments may be moved aboutthe vertical axis to vary the length of the cavity in which thetissue-penetrating medical device is placed. In one or more embodiments,movement may be rotational or translation. For example, if the desiredlength of the cover or tissue-penetrating medical device to bemagnetized is L₁, then both segment 330 and segment 340 can be moved orrotated about the vertical axis to adjust the length of the cavity to L₁in which the tissue-penetrating medical device is placed. For example,if the desired length of the cover or tissue-penetrating medical deviceto be magnetized is L₄, then segment 340 can be moved or rotated aboutthe vertical axis to adjust the length of the cavity to L₄ (sum of L₁and L₂) in which the tissue-penetrating medical device is placed. Forexample, if the desired length of the cover or tissue-penetratingmedical device to be magnetized is L₅, then none of the segments (340,350) are moved or rotated about the vertical axis. Instead segment 340and segment 350 are aligned with base segment 310 to adjust the lengthof the cavity to L₅ (sum of L₁, L₂ and L₃) in which thetissue-penetrating medical device is placed. Therefore, the user cancontrol the portion or length of the tissue-penetrating medical deviceto be magnetized.

In one or more embodiments, magnetizer 300 may be used with any cover110 or 120 disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, cover 110 or120 may be a uniform length having one or more physical stop elements150 disposed on the outer surface and is used with a tissue-penetratingmedical device of variable lengths. In one or more embodiments, one ormore physical stop elements 150 are molded onto the outer surface ofcover 110 or 120. In one or more embodiments, the position of thephysical stop elements 150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or120 correspond to different gauge or size of various tissue-penetratingmedical devices to be used with cover 110 or 120. Therefore, the lengthor portion of the tissue-penetrating device that is magnetized when auser inserts cover 110 or 120 into a magnetizer 300 until the physicalstop elements 150 disposed on the outer surface of cover 110 or 120 thatcorresponds to desired gauge or size of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice reaches the top of the magnetizer 300. Therefore, the length orportion of the tissue-penetrating device that is magnetized is dependenton the length of the tissue-penetrating medical device within the cover110 or 120.

Magnetizer 300 can be used as a single use disposable item, or themagnetizer 300 may be reusable since the needle cover stays in placeduring the magnetization step. In other embodiments, the length L₁ ofbase segment 310, L₂ and L₃ of the respective segments (330, 340) andlength L₄, L₅ of magnetizer 300 may be configured such that the entireor a desired portion of a shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical devicecan be magnetized. In other embodiments, the length L₁, L₂, L₃, L₄ andL₅ can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or anyintervening percentage of the length of the cover or tissue-penetratingmedical device to be magnetized.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a magnetizer 300 having one ormore embedded magnets 320 in the sidewall of the base segment andrespective segments (330, 340) of the magnetizer 300. The one or moremagnets 320 can be embedded in a slot. The one or more magnets 320 canbe sized to be slidably mounted within a slot or held in place byfriction fit, or the one or more magnets 320 can be attached with anadhesive or other suitable ways. Alternatively, one or more magnets 320can be integrally molded in the sidewall of the base segment 310 andrespective segments (330, 340) of the magnetizer 300. In one or moreembodiments, the magnet may be a permanent magnet, electro-magnet, orother magnetizing means.

In one or more embodiments, magnetizer 300 allows magnetic pole tipposition to be changed with respect to the magnetizer cavity,particularly for the cases of where the magnetizer cavity only containsone opening. The top of the magnetizing means can be changed to becloser to the bottom of the cavity when magnetizing a needle with longerlength.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 4, pertainsto a magnetizer 400, having an open proximal end 402, a distal end 404,a first sidewall 406, a first sliding element 410 having one or morefirst magnets 412 slidably connected to the first sidewall 406, a secondsidewall 414, a second sliding element 418 having one or more secondmagnets 420 slidably engaged to the second sidewall 414, a cavity 422formed between the first sidewall 406, second sidewall 414 and distalend 404. The one or more first magnets are mounted on the first slidingelement 410. The one or more second magnets 420 are mounted on thesecond sliding element 418. The first sliding element 410 and the secondsliding element 418 can be moved in parallel to the axis of the cavity422 to adjust the length of the magnetizer to magnetize atissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600 of various lengthsthat are inserted into cavity 422 of the magnetizer 400 allowing theadjustment of the distance between the bottom of the magnetizing cavity422 and the top of the magnet (412/420). In one or more embodiments,first sidewall 406 can have a first slot 408, a first sliding element410 having one or more first magnets 412, first sliding element 410being slidably connected to the first slot 408, a second sidewall 414having a second slot 416, a second sliding element 418 having one ormore second magnets 420, second sliding element 418 being slidablyengaged to the second slot 416, a cavity 422 formed between the firstsidewall 406, second sidewall 414 and distal end 404.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a needlemagnetizer that is capable of accommodating tissue-penetrating medicaldevice 500 or cover 600 of various lengths.

The cavity 422 is sized and shaped to permit movement of thetissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600 into and out ofcavity 422. In one embodiment, the cavity 422 permits movement of thetissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600 into the cavity 422in a movement that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft oftissue-penetrating medical device. The needle cannula magnetizes whenthe tissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600 are placed intocavity 422 and subsequently first sliding element 410 and/or secondsliding element 418 are moved in parallel to the axis of the cavity 422to adjust the length of the magnetizer to magnetize a desired portion ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600 of variouslengths that are inserted into cavity 422 of the magnetizer 400. Themagnetizer consists of a cavity with at least one open proximal end 402through which the tissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600 canbe inserted. The cavity 422 and the open proximal end 402 are largeenough to accommodate the tissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover600 of various dimensions and lengths that are inserted into cavity 422of the magnetizer 400 therefore ensuring the sterility and the integrityof the tissue-penetrating medical device. It is contemplated that in oneor more embodiment, cavity 422 can have openings on both ends to allowneedles with various length and needle cover length to be inserted todesired depth.

The first sliding element 410 and/or second sliding element 418 may bevariably positioned along the length L of the cover 600 relative to theshaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device 500 to allow the user tocontrol the portion or length of the tissue-penetrating medical device500 to be magnetized. The magnetizer 400 can be used as a single usedisposable item, or the magnetizer 400 may be reusable since the cover600 stays in place during the magnetization step. Therefore, the usercan control the portion or length of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice 500 to be magnetized. The slider can be slidably moved along thelength of the cover 600 via the first slot 408 and the second slot 416.In other embodiments, the length of the first slot 408 and the secondslot 416 may be equal to the length L of the cover 600 ortissue-penetrating medical device 500 such that the entire shaft of thetissue-penetrating medical device 500 can be magnetized. In otherembodiments, the any desired portion (e.g. 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or any increment therein) of the length L of thepenetrating medical device 500 can be magnetized.

Magnet (412, 420) can be attached to the sliding elements (410, 418)with an adhesive or other suitable ways. Alternatively, the magnets(412, 420) could be integrally molded into sliding element (410, 418).

The magnet (412, 420) can be sized to be slidably mounted within thefirst sidewall (406) and/or second sidewall (414). In one or moreembodiments, the magnet (412, 420) can be sized to be slidably mountedwithin the slot (408, 416).

In one or more embodiments, the magnet (412, 420) may be a permanentmagnet, electro-magnets, or other magnetizing means.

It is contemplated that the first sidewall 406 and/or second sidewall414 can have a graduated injection depth gauge or marking 430 toindicate the desired length or section of the needle to be magnetizedwhen the needle and the needle cover are inserted into a magnetizer. Inone or more embodiments, the graduated injection depth gauge may beprinted onto an outer surface of the first sidewall 406 and/or secondsidewall 414. In another embodiment, the graduated injection depth gaugemay be engraved, etched, embossed, debossed by molding or formed onto anouter surface of the first sidewall 406 and/or second sidewall 414 toassist the practitioner in measuring the needle depth penetration. Inone or more embodiments, the graduated injection depth gauge is scaledto correlate to a needle length.

In one or more embodiments, the first sliding element 410 and/or secondsliding element 418 includes a contact surface having a profile foraccommodating a practitioner's finger.

First sliding element 410 and/or second sliding element 418 may beconfigured to toggle in a parallel or perpendicular direction withrespect to tissue-penetrating medical device 500 or cover 600.

Movement of the first sliding element 410 and/or second sliding element418 from a forward end of the first sidewall 406 to the rearward end ofthe second sidewall 414 may be accomplished by exerting pressure onfinger contact surface 440 of the first sliding element 410 and/orsecond sliding element 418.

FIG. 4 show a tissue-penetrating medical device 500, a cover 600 formagnetizing the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device 500. Thecover 600 includes a sleeve member 602 having a hollow tubular body 604having a distal end 606 and a proximal end (not shown) to form aprotective closure over the shaft 608 of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice 500, the sleeve member 602 having a length L to cover the shaft608 of the tissue-penetrating medical device 500, the shaft 608 having alength L₂ and a distal tip 610. An open end (not shown) of the hollowtubular body 604 provides a receiving space for receiving at least theshaft 608 of the tissue-penetrating medical device 500. In one or moreembodiments, a single magnet can be utilized to magnetize the shaft 608,or more than two magnets can also be utilized.

In embodiments in which two magnets are utilized, the orientation of themagnetic fields of the two magnets can vary. One magnet can have northand south poles on axis with shaft of the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice, while the second magnet can have north and south poles off-axisor perpendicular to the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device.Alternatively, the two magnets both can have north and south poles offaxis with the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device, or the twomagnets both can have north and south poles on axis with the shaft ofthe tissue-penetrating medical device.

Upon removal from magnetizer 400, the tissue-penetrating medical device500 can now be used with a procedural guidance system that utilizemagnetic sensors as a means of measuring and predicting needle tiplocation relative to the target anatomy.

In one or more embodiments, magnetizer 400 allows magnetic pole tipposition to be changed with respect to the magnetizer cavity,particularly for the cases of where the magnetizer cavity only containsone opening. The top of the magnetizing means can be changed to becloser to the bottom of the cavity when magnetizing a needle with longerlength.

In alternative embodiments, a needle cover is provided that hasgeometric dimensions that permit the needle cover to be placed insideexisting needle magnetizing devices while the needle cover is coveringthe shaft of the needle. The distal end of the needle cover may be usedto limit the depth of insertion by providing a stop to contact thebottom of the needle magnetizing device. Alternatively, a feature nearthe proximal portion of the needle cover can be provided on the cover tolimit the depth of insertion by a stop on the proximal opening of theneedle magnetizer.

The covers described herein can have a variety of properties. In one ormore embodiments, the covers are formed from plastic. In one or moreembodiments, the covers are sterile. In one or more embodiments, thecovers are disposable. In other embodiments, the covers may be bothsterile and disposable.

The tissue-penetrating medical device may be a needle, catheter,introducer needle, stylet, scalpel or guidewire. In one embodiment, thetissue-penetrating medical device is a needle, which when magnetized canbe used with a procedural guidance system to locate and project theposition of the needle during an invasive medical procedure. Thetissue-penetrating medical device according to one or more embodimentsis includes a magnetizable metallic material. In a specific embodiment,the magnetizable metallic material is stainless steel.

The covers described herein may also be incorporated into a vascularaccess device comprising a catheter, a catheter adapter subassembly, anda needle subassembly including an introducer needle, a needle hubconnected to the proximal end of the introducer needle and a needlecover according to any of the embodiments described herein. Themagnetizer of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunctionwith a vascular access device comprising a catheter, a catheter adaptersubassembly, and a needle subassembly including an introducer needle.

Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method of magnetizing atissue-penetrating medical device. Embodiments of the method includepositioning a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device in a cover ofthe present disclosure including a device-receiving space, positioningthe cover including tissue-penetrating medical device into a magnetizerand removing the cover with the tissue-penetrating medical device fromthe magnetizer to magnetize a desired portion of the tissue-penetratingmedical device. Another embodiment of the method of the presentdisclosure includes positioning a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medicaldevice in an available cover having a device-receiving space,positioning the cover with the tissue-penetrating medical device into amagnetizer of the present disclosure, and removing the cover with thetissue-penetrating medical device from the magnetizer of the presentdisclosure to magnetize a desired portion of the tissue-penetratingmedical device.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “certainembodiments,” “one or more embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that aparticular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment ofthe disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one ormore embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are notnecessarily referring to the same embodiment of the disclosure.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

Although the disclosure herein has provided a description with referenceto particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications and variations can be made to the method andapparatus of the present disclosure without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the presentdisclosure include modifications and variations that are within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetizer for magnetizing a tissue-penetratingmedical device comprising: an open proximal end; a distal end; a firstsidewall; a first sliding element having one or more first magnetsslidably connected to the first sidewall; a second sidewall; a cavityformed between the first sidewall, second sidewall and the distal end;the first sidewall having a first slot, the first sliding element beingslidably connected to the first slot; the second sidewall having asecond slot, a second sliding element having one or more second magnets,the second sliding element being slidably engaged to the second slot;and wherein movement of the first sliding element and the second slidingelement is parallel to a direction of movement a user would employ toinsert a tissue-penetrating medical device or a needle cover into thecavity to adjust a length of the magnetizer to magnetize thetissue-penetrating medical device or the needle cover of various lengthsthat are inserted into the cavity.
 2. The magnetizer of claim 1, whereinthe one or more first magnets are mounted on the first sliding element.3. The magnetizer of claim 1, wherein the first sliding element includesa contact surface having a profile for accommodating a practitioner'sfinger.
 4. The magnetizer of claim 1, wherein the second sliding elementincludes a contact surface having a profile for accommodating apractitioner's finger.
 5. The magnetizer of claim 1, wherein the cavityis configured to accommodate the tissue-penetrating medical device. 6.The magnetizer of claim 5, wherein the tissue-penetrating medical deviceis a needle assembly, a stylet, catheter, introducer needle, scalpel orguidewire.
 7. The magnetizer of claim 6, wherein the tissue-penetratingmedical device includes a needle assembly including a needle having ashaft, and when the shaft is magnetized, the tissue-penetrating medicaldevice is configured for use in a procedural guidance system to locateand project a position of the shaft during an invasive medicalprocedure.
 8. The magnetizer of claim 1, wherein the cavity isconfigured to accommodate the needle cover.
 9. The magnetizer of claim1, wherein the one or more first magnets comprises a fixed permanentmagnet.
 10. The magnetizer of claim 1, wherein the first sliding elementis moveable along the first sidewall.
 11. The magnetizer of claim 1,wherein the second sliding element is moveable along the secondsidewall.